Lock.



E. A. CHRISTOPH,

LOCK..

APPLICATION FILED DEC- 8.1913. lgg ifig a atented Dec. 17, 1918.

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" Emmi? E. A. CHRISTOPH.

LOCK.

. APPLICATION FILED DEC.8. 1913. 1 287.2. Patented Dec. 17,1918.

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LOCK.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 8.1913.

a SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Patented Dec. 17,

J/& I W

ILLINOIS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec, 1'7, 11918.

Application filed December 8, 1913. Serial No. 805,327.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EMIL A. CHRISTOPH,

' a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Locks, of which the following is a description.

My invention belongs to that general form of devices known as locks, and relates particularly to a key-controlled or key-actuated lockingdevioe of-the kind described. The present invention is in the nature of an improvement over the lock shown in my pending application, "Serial No. 795,662, filed October 17, 1913, and has among its objects the production of a lock that cannot easily be picked, or one for which a key cannot easily be made. With the present invention any number of locks, each with its particular primary key, may be constructed, so that the lock ca only be opened with its own primary key :ior which the lock is made, but the construction is such that all the locks may be constructed to fit one key, or its duplicates, so that any or all of the locks may-be unlocked by a master key, as it is commonly termed. The invention has among its objects the production of a device in which there is practically no limit to the possible variations or number of different keys, each lock being opened by its individual set of keys, or any one or more, or all, by the master key. The invention has among its further objects the production of a device of the kind described that is simple, compact, eliicient, durable, and satisfactory; that may be economically manufactured, that may be used wherever found applicable, and modifiedin its non-essential details to make it applicable for different types orstyles of locks.

To this end my invention consists of the novel construction, arrangement and com bination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly' pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, characters indicate parts,

Figure 1 is a sectional view of a portion of a lock, embodying my device, the section being taken substantially on line 1, l of wherein like reference hke or corresponding Fig. 17, or line 7, 7 of Fig. 8, the key being 1n position;

Fig. 2 is a similar view with the primary key removed;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the key illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4: is a side elevation of the opposite side of the same key;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a portion of another form of key;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the opposite side of the same key;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7, 7 of F ig. 8, and similar to Fig. 2, with the master key positioned in the lock; Fig. 8 is substantially a sectional view on line- 8, 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the master key;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the opposite side of the same;

Fig. 11 is an end elevation y;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 12, 12 of Fig. 10';

Fig. 13 is substantially an enlarged cross sectional view of the primary key, taken on line 13, 13 of Fig. 3;

' Figs. 14, 15 and 16 are similar views of modified forms of keys;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the lock with portions broken away, the primary key in position;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 18, 18 of Fig. 1, the primary key in position;

Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 19, 19 of Fig. 7, the master key inserted in the lock, the key turned;

Fig. 20 is a side elevation of the inner part or plate retainer 23;

lg. 21 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 21, 21 of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a side elevation of the outer part removed from the lock;

Fig. 23 is an end elevation of the same;

Fig. 21- is a perspective view of one type of plate;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view illustrating another type of plate, and

Fig. 26 is a perspective view still another type of plate.

one form of of the same illustrating 1o Th naeagaaa respond with the contour of the barrel after the master key is inserted in the same manner as the primary plates. As most clearly shown in Figs. 7 and 17', the casing 26 is extended a at 43 and formed with a groove or pocket 44, and a similarly formed pocket opposite, in which may be arranged a spring 45 and plate 46. Arranged over the end of the extended part 43 is a cap 47.

e cooperating part or casing 26 containing the barrels and plates, and the keys for the same may be employed in any desired way to form a lock. As shown, the part 26 has a flange or extending part 27, by which the casing may be secured to a lock plate 28, or the equivalent. In order to fully explain the operation of the lock, I have shown a latch, bolt or lock-bar 34, carried by a bracket 35 from the lock plate 28, this particular lock being controlled by throwing the latch bolt 34 to engage a cooperating part (not .shown). Movement is transmitted from the parts to the lock bolt in any desired manner. A shown (see Figs. 1 and 21) a finger 33 is secured to the bar 23, the same extending through an opening 37 and engaging in a notch in the bar 34. Any equivalent arrangement may be employed.

One form of master key is shown in Figs. 9 and 10, as well as Figs. 11 and 12. This key 49 is provided with a shank or stem 50, having a bead 51 upon one side, and a groove 52 upon the other. This preferably extends straight along the key to approximately the end. The same at the end is either undulated or extends in an irregular manner, so as to move the different plates 42 and slide them back and forth until they aline and conform to the contour of the barrel, or that is, disengage from part 43. The master key may, of course, be undulated where it lies in the primary barrel, this being a matter that is immaterial, since the primary barrel lies within or is contained in the master barrel 29. and is movable with the master barrel. Although the end in the master plates i not particularly long the keys and plates may be so varied as to permit innumerable'combinations of a great number of master keys, all different, each one of which will operate the lock designed for the key.

In explaining the operation of the device, it may first be assumed that the parts are in the position shown in Figs, 1 and 17 with the primary key 1 inserted in the lock.

T he plates contained by the inner or primary barrel are alined as shown in the figures mentioned, and do not engage in the groove 1- slots 30 in the outer or master barrel 29, so that turning the key turns the primary barrel and contained plates, and with it the finger 33, turning the lock bolt 34, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 17. When the key is withdrawn, assuming that the parts are in the positions shown in Figs. 1 and 17, the several plates in the slot 25, actuated by the difierent key faces, slide back and forth in the slot or slots 30, permitting the key to be withdrawn. This,

owever, positively throws the various plates out'of alinement and beyond the face of the barrel 23 at one or both sides (71. e. positively disturbs them) so that they engage with the master barrel 29. Their weight may be insuficient to cause them to drop down and engage in only one opening, depending, of course, on the manner of installation of the look, but if any do remain as left by the key, for example, as shown in Fig. 2, they will engage in the slots or grooves and lock the barrel 23 against rotation. It should be noted at this time that the plates 42 are in the groove 44, so that the master barrel 29 is prevented from rotat-ing. Whenthe key i again inserted, they slide back and forth in the slot, depending, of course, upon the contour of the key and plates employed, until the key reaches its final position, at which point all of the plates are alined at their ends, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 17, conforming to the contour of the primar barrel 23. This permits the barrel 23 to be positively moved or rotated again, permitting the latch to be turned or positively turning it, depending upon the look upon which employed. In inserting or withdrawing the keys, the movement of each plate is determined by the kind of plate used and the particular form of key.

When it is desired to open the lock with the master key, a key similar to the key 49 shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the same, of course, depending upon the plates used, is inserted and forced through the primary barrel into engagementat the end of the key with the plates 42 (see Figs. 7 and 8). This key slides the plates in the primary barrel back and forth, but, of course, since the same are not formed to aline with this type of key, the same will take positions substantially as shown in Fig. 7. The plates 42, however, being formed to be alined by the master key, will be moved substantially in the position shown in Fig. 7, and will disengage with the end 43 at the recess 44, so that the master barrel 32, and its end 29, can and will be rotated when the key is turned. However, the plates in the primary barrel in engagement with the key, and with the slots 30 in the master barrel, cause the primary barrel to-be rotated with the master barrel, and with it the finger 33, shifting the latch bolt 34.

From the above it will be seen that any number of locks may be constructed, each controlled by an individual and different key, but which looks may be constructed to all be operable or controlled by a master key.

A errangen L0 in; (ZOEreSQ This is of great importance Where the leclrs ae employed in locker systems or the like, Where the users of the lockers each have their individual lreys, and Where ii is desired tidal; a trusted attendant, in case of necessity, sliall be able to enter any one efi the lockers by means oi a master key, is not necessary for the attendant have duplicate primary lreys for each leek, ell, in line case of many lockers, er locks, would lie inconvenient, expensive, and generally rnos'; unsatisfactory,

Figs. 5 and 6, a modified lrey is shown, it being understand the eys shown in the drawings are only fer dstralion, as inere is pracsically no liini-e number of different keys, varying in niinnee details, which may lee constructed, very iniinne yaria'lion between We lreys is sniiicien to rire entthe use of e different keys for these-me loclr. i c t set: forms @5 lreys are shown, eross seceional conical These lreys may ether Ways by merely r nndulaiiens '"i the keys sli ii. The for h 'lllfi number 0i increased in e lecl: by on eecli side From-the illfi eon '7 u see e inra- ;y or one; A i 1 may ee CQIiefS l M f w rel. ier el, 7 1,

l irey, and a a Y m. a Lila nrlinaiq s yeriens eions may ea inane in i appe enci cc i a w as i ueseiieei,

new and lay 1 Y x 3,. L! M J I. L: :2 1 l2, All; 51 Minn, efifi CUiilQiiiQmQu U1 alliliei M. casing, a, "nrnnary eerrel and a n n rel arranged 11 said casing W; l

means carried by each e5 independently controlling thereof.

2. in a leclr provided Wish s ing means, the combination of pinarncidin aii ely connected with die latching means of the leek, and key actuated means carried by each cf said barrels and independently of each other for controlling the operations lliereo-E.

3. "in a lock, thecombination on? a suitable casing, 21 barrel rotatably arranged therein, key actuated means carried thereby for enthe casing, a secend barrel contained Within said first mentioned barrel and provided with key actuated means carried thereby independent on? said firsl key-actuated means for engaging said first barrel.

4. in e loclr, the combination al a suitable casing, a barrel rotatably arranged inerein, key means carried thereby fer engaging the casing, e second barrel contained Within said first ineniiened car rel, ero ided Willi lrey actuated means carried thereby fer enga ing said first leerrel, each of said key-actuated means independef the oilier and e latch bell; epera'iiyely conneci'ed with one of said barrels.

5. n a locln-ilie coinnineiion oil a suitable for eeerati el cenneciinn said loeli;

inalien of e 9 I -3 m g, e earrel ialalily arranged eneiein, e q 1 1 rainy o nlaies carried by said dependently slide ele into engagemen e casi g, second barrel contains said firse barrel, a plurality ei plate said second liarrel and inde= slidalele e U M barrel, ann means 1 "es either barrel.

9, lee l c engagement ilie coineinaiien of e snita barrel roia'nanly y of plates carried by snarl slidaele said barrel, a plurality led lay said second barrel i, y slidalile inie engagement other barrel, means for annealing 1H. J. l T 1.. F e1 eiener barrel, e larcn 00in, and o operaii ely eennecting seid latch 1 said second barrel, v

a lock, the combination or a suitable casing, a oriinary barrel and a master learr i with their axes coinciding and 'ned therein, means for releasing said or preventing the increment finereof, as desieecl, comprising a plurality of slidable plates carried by each barrel, the plates in one barrel being independent of tlie plates in illlfi other barrel and means fer e said lock, the cornbinaiion er'fi a suitable a primary barrel and e master lean tneeein, fer releasing casing, a second l'lfll'lel for engaging said barrels or prevent the movement thereof, as desired, comprising a plurality of slidable plates carried by each barrel, each plate having a suitably formed keyway therein, meansfor actuating said plates, comprisin a key for each barrel, one key constructe to operatively actuate the plates in one barrel, and the other key constructed to extend through the plates in one barrel and operatively actuate the plates in the other barrel, a latch bolt, and means for operatively connecting the same with one of said barrels.

10. In a lock, the combination of a suitable casing, a barrel rotatably arranged therein, key actuated means carried thereby the casing, a second barrel contained within the casing, and provided With key actuated means carried thereby for engaging said first mentioned barrel, and a suitably formed key for each key actuated engaging means, each key operative 'means, a latch bolt, and

the first barrel and only upon'its respective engaging means.

11.,In a lock, the combination of a suitable casing, a barrel rotatably arranged therein, key actuated means carried thereby for engaging the casing, a second barrel contained within said first mentioned barrel and, provided with key, actuated means carried thereby for-engaging said first mentioned barrel, a suitably formed key for each key actuated engaging means, each key operative only upon its respective engaging means for-operatively connecting the same with one of said barrels.

12. In a lock, the combination of a plur'ality of suitably formed keys, a casing part, a barrel rotatably' arranged therein, key actuated means carried thereby for engaging the casing, a second barrel arranged 'Within the casing and partially contained within provided with key actuated means for engaging said first barrel, each of said key actuated releasable only by its particular key.

13. In a lock, the combination of a suitable casing,

longitudinal axes coinciding, and key actuated means carried trolling the operations thereof, including a plurality of suitably formed slidable plates arranged for engagement with their respective keys.

14. In a lock, the combination of a suitable casing, a primary barrel and a master barrel arranged in said casin with their longitudinal axes coinciding, ey actuated means carried by said barrels for controlling the operations thereof, including a plurality of suitably formed ranged for engagement with their respective keys, 2. support for said casing, a latch bolt carried by said support, and means for thereof as desired engaging mean! a primary barrel and a master barrel arranged in said casing with their.

by said barrels for con-- slidable in their slot a slidable plates aroperatively connecting said latch bolt with said primary barrel.

15. In a lock, the combination of a suitable casing, a primary barrel and a master barrel contained therein, one of said barrels contained within the other, means for actuating said barrels, or ment thereof as desired, COIIIPI'lSlIlg a plurality of slidable plates carried by each barrel, each plate provided with a key-way therein, means for actuating the plates of either barrel as desired, a suitable latch bolt, and means for operatively connecting the same with one of said barrels.

16. In a lock, the combination of a suitable casing, a primary barrel and a master barrel contained therein, means for actuating said barrels, or preventing the movement comprising a plurality of slidable plates carried by each barrel, each plate provided with a key-way therein, means for actuating the plates of either barrel as desired, comprising a key for each preventing the movegltudinally movable into said parts, means 7 in common for said parts for centering said keys when inserted in the parts, and means cooperating with the keys for locking said casing and parts against movement relative to each. other, comprising a plurality of plates slidable in the parts, each provided with a key-way therein, substantially corresponding in contourto the keys.

18. Ina lock, a plurality of coiiperating parts comprising a pluralit of retaining members, each having a slot formed therein,

a plurality of plates arranged in each of saidslots, and movable to emit the same to be substantially contained within the retaining devices, a suitable casing for said retaining devicesand plates, a portion of said plates distance sufficient to engage the casing, and a portion of said plates slidable in their slot a distance suflicient to engage the retaining member for said other plates, each of said plates formed with a suitable key-way therein, in combination with a cooperating key for each set of plates, each formed with a face departing from a straight line, and of a size to pass through the key-ways of the plates, and positively move its respective plates out of engaging position.

19. In a lock, a plurality of cotiperating parts,

v or plates slidable in its retaining member a distance sutficient to engage the casino, and the other sets slidable a distance su cientto engage the other retaining member, in combination with a cooperating key tor each set of plates, each oi said keys termed with a lace departing from a straight line, and of a size to pass through the hey-Ways in said plates,

and positively and independently move the same in or out of operative positions.

20. ln a lock, the combination or" a plurality of cooperating parts, a plurality 0r plates carried by one part and independently slidable into engagement with another part, a plurality of plates carried by said last mentioned part and slidable into enagement with the third part, and a key tor each set of plates, each key having a plu rality of independent laces provided with a plurality of undulations therein, each or said plates formed to operatively engage with its respective key at a desired face.

21. in a lock, the combination of a plurality or co'riperating parts, a plurality o'i plates carried by one part and independently slidable into engagement With another part, a plurality of plates carried by said-last mentioned part ment with the third part, a lrey for each set or plates, each key having a plurality of independent faces provided with a plurality of undulations therein, each of said plates formed to operati ely engage with its respective hey at a desired face, a latch bolt, and means operatively connecting a suitable casing 1or said retaining tiewith its respective and slidable into engagemy name in latch bolt with one of said caliper-Ming parts.

22. In aloclr, the combination of a suitable casing, a cylindrical barrel rotatably mounted therein, a second barrel arranged Within said first mentioned r-rel, plurality of sets of plates, one for each barrel, each set comprising a transversely movable through its respective barrel, each of said plates formed with an opening therein, a key for each set of plates, each provided with means for engag ngits respective plates, one key movable through all or the plates into operative eagement with its respective set of plates, a 1

and means for operatively connecting the same with one of said barrels.

23. in a lock, the combination oil suitable locliing mechanism, including a plurality of series of members, each constituting independently controlled locking elements arranged onein back of the other, and a suitable key for each of the series of members in each element, whereby one series may be operatively'controlled separately trom the other.

in a lock, the combination of a plurality olsuita'ble keys, and locking mechanism, including aplurality of inde endent locking. elements arra one in back of the other, each element oonsisting of a series of: locking members, each series constructed to independently o'peratively co-act only lrey ior which it is constructed testimony ,vvhereor, l have hereunto the presence of two subscribing witness- "El/Illa A. GHRISTQDPH.

Witnesses:

plurality of platm a h-bar, Y

till 

